The tall midfielder jumped highest to head home Alex's cross from the left side in a fairly even first half.

Although Cruz Azul tested Julio Cesar from distance several times, they did not seriously trouble Corinthians' goalkeeper and he finished the match with a comfortable clean sheet.

The win sees Corinthians move ahead of Cruz Azul in Group 6, with a one-point margin over the Mexican club.

In Group 1, Internacional and The Strongest both missed the chance to go clear at the top after a 1-1 draw.

The home side took the lead just a minute after half-time when Gerson Galvez's cross down the left was not cleared by Rodrigo Moldeo and Rodrigo Ramallo snuck in at the far post to slide the ball into the bottom corner.

Internacional continued to dominate possession, limiting The Strongest to shots from outside the box but finally made their chances pay with just two minutes left.

After a cross was swung into the box, Gilberto stabbed it home with his second attempt to secure the draw for the visitors.

The 2006 and 2010 Libertadores champions are level on seven points with The Strongest, a point ahead of reigning champions Santos who have a game in hand.